So, you’ve been driving around for a while, and suddenly, that pesky oil change required message pops up on your dashboard. When you own a Jeep Wrangler, you’re responsible for ensuring it’s well-maintained. This includes changing the oil regularly and resetting the engine oil Change light.
The jeep wrangler oil change required message is one of the most common messages you will see on your dashboard while driving. The message comes when the oil has reached its recommended service interval. This message will also appear if you have a dashboard computer installed, which can show additional maintenance reminders and fault codes that affect the operation of your vehicle.
Oil changes are a fact of life for vehicles. No matter how you drive, your car needs it, or you will have to pay for it. By changing your oil every 3,000 miles, you’re likely getting the best engine performance from your vehicle.
The Jeep Wrangler oil change message is a warning that the engine oil needs to be changed. This is often caused by excessive fuel being used, or the oil being contaminated. We are here for you if you are experiencing this message and do not know what to do.
We’ll show you how to clear and reset it so it doesn’t come back on.
What Does Oil Change Required Mean?
If you ignore the warning, the “Oil Change Required” message will continue to appear until you change the oil. Continuing to drive with overdue oil can damage your engine and may void your warranty.
You may have noticed the “Oil Change Required” message on your Jeep Wrangler’s dashboard. But why does it appear, and what does it mean?
You get this message because several things could be wrong with your Jeep Wrangler. If any of these things occur, the engine will not work correctly, and the vehicle’s performance will be affected. These include:
Low oil levels
The most common reason you get this message is that there isn’t enough oil in the engine. If this is the case, it’s time to check your oil level and ensure it’s at least half full before driving again.
If you don’t see any signs of leakage from the dipstick, then it’s likely that there isn’t enough oil in the engine.
Hot or cold
Another reason you might get this message is if one of your coolant hoses has been damaged by heat or cold weather conditions. The coolant system keeps everything at a stable temperature.
Oil Leak
If you get an oil change required message on your Jeep Wrangler, it means that there is a leak coming from one of the engine blocks. Oil leaks can cause severe engine damage over time, so it’s essential to have this fixed as soon as possible.
There are many different methods for repairing an oil leak, but some are more effective than others. For example, a leak coming from under a transmission pan or differential cover is more serious. You should consider replacing these parts instead of just repairing them with sealant or other material.
Cracked Oil Pan
Another common reason someone would see an oil change required message on their Jeep Wrangler is that they have cracked their engine block or head coverings. This can happen if something was wrong with how they were built or placed together during assembling.
- Engine assembly (engine, transmission, transfer case).
- Drivetrain (brake system, steering system, suspension).
- Axle/steering components (front or rear differential).
- Power steering pump or reservoir.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Change Light on the Jeep Wrangler
If your Jeep Wrangler oil change light is on, you can reset the oil light by following these steps.
1. The first step is to make sure your Jeep Wrangler has been driven enough to burn off any excess fuel in the tank. If you have not driven your Jeep for at least four hours and haven’t added any fuel to the tank during that time, start driving and try again.
2. Next, make sure the engine is turned off and unplugged. Then, disconnect the battery from the negative side of the vehicle.
3. Next, locate the oil change indicator light on top of your windshield. It will be located near the middle of the windshield. This light indicates that you need to change your oil and will flash when you have changed the oil and disconnected it from the vehicle.
4. Your sensors may have an issue if you have already done this process but still have a blinking warning light. There could also be faulty wiring on top of your windshield where this light resides.
In this case, pull up onto a flat surface where you can access all side panels again. Look for any loose fasteners or screws which may be causing an issue with your sensors or wiring system.
If there are none at all, then replace those that are loose before proceeding further by putting them back into place using a screwdriver or socket wrench.
5. Once this has been accomplished, turn the ignition to restart your vehicle and wait for engine startup. If your Jeep is still running smoothly after starting the engine, try turning off your headlights. Leave them off for about 30 seconds before restarting the engine.
This should reset any codes related to an oil change required by the engine management system (EMS).
How Often to Change Oil on Jeep Wrangler?
You may wonder how often you should change your oil based on the Jeep oil change required message. The good news is you don’t need to worry—you can continue to follow the recommended schedule in your owner’s manual.
The Jeep Wrangler is designed to have its oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Some other vehicles may require a shorter time frame than this.
However, if you drive in severe conditions or do a lot of off-roading, you may need to change your oil more frequently. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific vehicle info.
The amount of mileage on a vehicle depends on many factors, including;
- The type of driving you do.
- Whether or not you drive in extreme conditions (like off-road).
- How much fuel you put in the engine.
- Your make and model of car.
- Type of oil you use and the number of miles you drive.
So, while 3,000 miles may seem like an appropriate amount of time between changes, the factors above could vary that number considerably.
What Kind of Oil Should You Use in Your Jeep Wrangler?
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to changing the oil in your Jeep Wrangler.
For starters, you’ll need to use Jeep-specific oil, as regular engine oil won’t work correctly in your car. You can find Jeep oil at most auto stores or online retailers.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the oil change message isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessary maintenance item. If you don’t change the oil when it tells you to, you run the risk of damaging your car’s engine. So, make sure to follow the message’s instructions and change your oil on time.
There are three types of oils recommended for your vehicle: synthetic, conventional, and semi-synthetic.
1. Synthetic oil is made from chemicals that are not found in nature. Synthetic oil has been engineered to have the same viscosity as petroleum-based oils. So, it flows through the engine just like it does for petroleum-based oils. Synthetic oil also doesn’t break down as quickly as conventional oil, which helps extend the oil life, durability of your engine and reduce maintenance costs.
2. Conventional oil is made up of two different types of molecules. One type is liquid at room temperature, and the other is solid at room temperature. The liquid type lubricates surfaces while the solid type protects them from friction and wear caused by friction between moving parts inside an engine or transmission system.
Beneath each molecule is an outer shell that seals against surfaces that need protection but don’t need lubrication (like bearings).
3. Semi-synthetic car oil is a blend of synthetic and petroleum-based oils. It has an intermediate viscosity, allowing it to perform well in cold and hot climates.
They have been designed to provide excellent lubrication and thermal stability in all seasons and weather conditions. Depending on your application requirements, these oils are available in different viscosities and consistencies.
The official recommendation for the proper type of oil is:
- 5w30 Jeep Wrangler JK (2009 – 2018).
- 5w40 Jeep Wrangler JK (2010 – 2018).
- 5w20 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (2010 – 2018).
Do You Need to Change Your Oil Filter When You Change Your Oil?
There’s a lot of debate around whether or not you need to change your oil filter when you change your oil. Some people say it’s necessary, and others say it’s not. So, what’s the verdict?
Well, the answer really depends on your vehicle. If your car has an oil filter that can be replaced without removing the engine, it’s definitely not necessary to change it every time you change your oil. However, if your car’s oil filter is located in a difficult-to-reach place and needs to be removed to be replaced, then you should change it every time you change your oil.
Changing the oil filter is a good idea if:
- You have recently replaced the oil in your Jeep Wrangler.
- Your engine has been running for a long time without being serviced.
- You have high mileage on your Jeep Wrangler.
- The recommended mileage for changing an oil filter is 3,000-5,000 miles between changes.
Here’s how you can change the oil filter in your Jeep Wrangler:
- Fill up a 5-gallon bucket with half a gallon of coolant.
- Remove the cap from the drain plug located on the side of your engine block.
- Place a catch pan underneath to catch any dirty or leaking coolant from your drain plug hole. Don’t let any water get into your engine.
- Lift the black plastic cover located on top of your oil filter housing and remove it from its place. You may need to use a wrench to loosen it before removing it entirely from its housing.
- Take out the old oil filter and put in a new one
How to Change Your Oil and Oil Filter
If you’re getting the oil change required message on your Jeep Wrangler, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix. Here is how to change your oil and filter in just a few simple steps.
To start, you’ll need an oil pan, some ramps or a jack, a socket wrench, an extension, and a new oil filter. Once you have all of the necessary supplies, follow these steps:
- Park your Jeep on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Place the oil pan beneath the engine oil drain plug and remove the plug.
- Let the oil drain completely into the pan, and then replace the drain plug.
- Raise the Jeep using the ramps or jack and support it with jack stands.
- Remove the old oil filter using the socket wrench and extension.
- Install the new oil filter by reversing these steps.
- Open the engine oil cap and add your recommended oil and the right amount.
- Check for any leaks.
- Start your vehicle and leave it in the run position for two minutes before turning it off. The Jeep Wrangler oil change required message should disappear.
Final Word
Every time you need to change your oil, the Jeep Wrangler oil change required message will appear on your dashboard. If you don’t see it, then it’s possible that you don’t need to change your oil or filter.
As we have shown in this article, the oil change required message is easy to resolve, no matter the cause of the engine light. With only a few simple steps, you can wipe this warning off your digital dashboard and get back confidently on the road.
However, not all vehicles have this same specific warning, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your car first. Do that, and if the engine light keeps popping up, try these fixes for your Jeep Wrangler.
Thanks for reading!
